January 13, 2009 1:01 pm

New Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora made a favorable impression in his first press conference as the team’s head coach.

Mora paid tribute to Mike Holmgren, the man whose footsteps he’s following in, saying he learned patience in how to deal with the tough decisions and answering tough questions from observing Holmgren the last two seasons.

Mora, who was hired as Seattle’s coach-in-waiting last year, also acknowledged the courting of other teams and programs, including the University of Washington, for his services while he served as defensive backs coach for Seattle.

"Over the past two years I have had other opportunities to become a head football coach," Mora said. "But what is important to me is not being a head football coach, but being a successful head football coach. And the past two years have been an incredible opportunity personally to learn from one of the all-time greats."

Mora made it clear the Seahawks goal is to retake the NFC West, and ultimately to compete for a Super Bowl every season.

Mora said he hopes the Arizona Cardinals win the NFC Championship and eventually the Super Bowl, because it gives his team even more motivation to work harder during the offseason.

He emphasized his Northwest roots, talking wistfully about bringing home the Lombardi Trophy and having a parade from the Space Needle to Qwest Field in celebration.

Seattle’s new coach was his energetic and enthusiastic self in talking for an hour, flanked by team president and general manager Tim Ruskell and Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke.

He talked about being a hands-on coach and a players coach. He said he learned from his time in Atlanta that he needs to create some separation from his players. But he also acknowledged the importance of earning his players trust and maintaining a solid bond with members of the team.

Mora also announced the changes in his staff, saying that he’s retaining 12 coaches. Here’s the list

Offensive coordinator – Gregg Knapp from Oakland

Mike Solari – Offensive line coach – Mike Solari

Bill Lazor – Quarterbacks coach – Bill Lazor

Kasey Dunn – Running Backs coach – Kasey Dunn

Mike DeBoard—Tight ends coach – Mike DeBord

Wide receivers coach – Robert Prince from Jacksonville

Offensive coach – Chris Beake

Defensive coordinator – Gus Bradley from Tampa Bay

Defensive line/assistant head coach – Dan Quinn from the New York Jets

Linebackers coach – Zerick Rollins

Assistant defensive backs coach – Larry Marmie

Defensive assistant coach – Mike Phair

Special Teams coach – Bruce DeHaven

Defensive quality control coach — Tom Headlee

Defensive backs coach – still to be hired

Gil Haskell (offensive coordinator), John Marshall (defensive coordinator), Keith Gilbertson (receivers coach) and Dwaine Board (defensive line coach) were the only Seattle coaches who were not retained. Jim Lind (tight ends coach) and John Jamison (assistant special teams coach).

Offensively, Mora said the team’s scheme will not change much because he believes they have one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Matt Hasselbeck, and will empower Hasselbeck to make decisions on the field. However, Mora again reiterated the importance of running the ball, particularly on the road, to win in the NFL. And he said Gregg Knapp, who’s been successful running the ball wherever he has coached, will bring that emphasis. Mora wants to be able to run the ball even when defenses stack the box.

Defensively, Mora said he wants to be sound fundamentally, and play with more aggression with guys flying around the ball. He compared the way he wants his team to play defensively to the attitude and environment the Qwest Field crowd creates — a suffocating atmosphere that makes opponents uncomfortable.

Mora also said defensively he wants to be able to get pressure on the quarterback with his front four, which is interesting because Seattle struggled to get pressure up front this season without blitzing.

Mora said he believes his team can get better up front with the addition of Quinn and guys being coached up to understand situations and how to use the schemes to their advantage.

That’s all for now. I’ll post the full transcript later with some more thoughts from the press conference.

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About

Gregg Bell joined The News Tribune in July 2014. Bell had been the director of writing for the University of Washington's athletic department for four years. He was the senior national sports writer in Seattle for The Associated Press from 2005-10, covering the Seahawks in their first Super Bowl season and beyond. He's also been The Sacramento Bee's beat writer on the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. The native of Steubenville, Ohio, is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and a 2000 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.

I had a suspicion that Board was out as D-line, though I was thrown off when Marinelli apparently didn’t get an offer as D-line coach. If Mora wants pressure from a 4 man line, the linemen are going to have to get a lot better with their rush techniques, and it will start with coaching.

The stories of Joe Barry coming over to coach linebackers appears to be totally false, as Rollins has been retained. All in all, less turnover than I expected, and outside of Haskell, I would have called for those people to be replaced even if Holmgren stayed.

On the other hand, WR coach from Jacksonville? They must be convinced Jacksonville’s front office really blew it with their talent evaluation, I thought Jacksonville’s receivers were all gross underachievers.

I am a huge believer that young coaches who show potential and enthusiam but who have a rocky first coaching stint will take off with their second teams. It sounds like Mora learned a lot from his time in Atlanta, learned more from Holmgren, and is ready to make a huge impact on the league. I like hearing him say that he learned from mistakes in Atlanta. Some coaches are ego-driven but when a guy can stand up at his first meeting and say he has to do better and he recognizes where he made mistakes it is a great sign.

I think Mora is going to have a lot of success. Of course I base that more on my hope than actual knowledge — but whatever. What else do I have to go on?

If Mora means what he says about the front 4 applying most of the pressure — then I hope Hill does not come back. I know he’s a good player, but he’s not very good in coverage and that would be his role if the LBs won’t be blitzing very much.

An argument for keeping Hill around, in the above scenario, would be that Kerney is not very good in run defense and you need a good LB behind him in the running game. Hill is a powerful player and a definite run stuffer.

However, with that being said, I would hope that we could trade him for a draft pick if we’re not going to use him to the best of his abilities. I’d be thrilled to put the franchise tag on him and then trade him to some team for a second rounder (although I don’t know if anyone would give up a pick that high for him… also, he’s never been able to start all 16 games in a season so giving him a long term deal is a bit more risky than some Ironman who plays all the time).

Good first news conference! Now that he’s “official,” Coach Mora can go into “the big office, sit in the big black chair, and park in spot #1 (with his name on it).” I thought THAT was halarious!!

I enjoyed the presser for several reasons. Coach Mora is VERY animated! Once he gets going on a subject, his eyes sparkle (kinda like Holmgren’s did when he got going!), the grin on his face gets bigger and he spills over with enthiasum! What’s even better is when he gets down-right serious… Me thinks his coached and players best be serious about playing and be in GREAT shape to START at training camp…. they wil need it!

declining? Just at the Warner & Favre still playing Matt has probably 3-5 years left at a high level in this league. DL and OL need to be given better players and then this team will be able to florish

declining? Just look at the Warner & Favre still playing Matt has probably 3-5 years left at a high level in this league. DL and OL need to be given better players and then this team will be able to florish

Osiris has been beating the Matt is done drum all year – but you only have to go back one year for career-best numbers, so I think it’s way too early to cut ties. Of course, it’s all about his health – if his back is still an issue, then in my opinion, we are very much in rebuilding mode, b/c no other areas of our team are good enough to compensate for his loss.

Interesting that Mora is talking about getting pressure from the front four – of course everyone would like to do that, but few players can pull that off. I wonder if we’ll go D-line at #4 – I don’t follow college ball that closely, is there a DE who merits that high a pick?

If we lose Hill, what do people think of Tapp at an outside linebacker spot? Not fast enough? His size would actually be good at that position, rather than being overmatched most games by guys 50 lbs heavier than him.

Great Press Conference. I like the fact that he addressed the issue that he’s following a legendary coach and what he learned from him is SEPARATION from players. I like his reasoning – it clouds his decision making in gameplans, favortism, locker room trouble. Sounds like we have 2 young, enthusiastic coaches who have a daunting task ahead of them at the Dub and Seahawks. It’s what we need here in Seattle. What’s funny is, is that all the teams that brought a miserable 2008 sports year have new managers/coaches that bring a lot of enthusiasm.

If we win a playoff game or NFC Championship with Mora in the next few years, I can see in the locker room he would say “F Yeah, that’s what i’m talking about, relentless effort”; whereas Holmgren would say “Hip-hip hooray, hip-hip hooray”. It’s just a sign of times I guess.

1) Matt’s too old; Senaca’s too short
2) Offensive line is in shambles
3) D line is too small; needs overhaul
4) Safety’s are weak and unreliable (ie Rusell)
5) WR is major quesiton mark; please cut courtney
6) Who is the running? Please no committee next year
7) Who is the kicker?
8) Who is are GM; we never seem to hear from him unless he picks someone up from Tampa or Atlanta.

I think Brian Orakpo could warrant a #4 overall pick by the time the combine is over and all that. He is also a great kid who graduated and who has a really supportive, academics-first family.

The kid is solid muscle, sort of like Vernon Gholston, but he can do more than just bull rush, unlike Gholston. He’s 6’4″ 265, but he plays very low and really gets under guys. Oh and he benches like 510… crazy. Sort of reminds me of John Abraham.

Other guys like Larry English or George Selvie could be a good fit, but appear more situational rushers.

bobbyk, I am curious what your opinion is regarding the value of Kerney on our team, and I ask based upon your comments regarding Hill as a good run linebacker to essentially cover for the fact that Kerney is a poor run defender.

I would add that while watching Kerney, who is undoubtedly a good pass rusher when healthy and obviously, as the media loves to say, a “high motor guy,” I have been seriously disappointed with his instincts. He consistently over-pursues (like most of our defense up front) and appears to completely miss gap assignments in general.

Have I missed something more to his game? I find Hill, his speed and his ability to actually finish a tackle to be far more valuable than Kerney has been. But I am often wrong, so let me know.

Eric, Any word on Marcus Tubbs? Any idea how much cap space we are playing with this year?

The interview of Jim Mora by Tony Ventrella was interesting as well,(on seahawks.com). He indicated that his dad will be seen on TV like the last couple of years but after 2009 he will be headed to Seattle to be closer to family and freinds. I wonder if there could be a place on the staff for him, one of the better coaches out there in my estimation.

DeHaven is coming back? That is a surprise. He is awful, I thought he would be one of the first to be fired.
Brian Orakpo would fit into the cover 2 scheme they are going to run now. They have to get more physical at corner as well, with this new scheme. Jenkins is not out of the mix and I would expect Kenvi Hobbs to get a real look as well.

I like your Kerney analogy. I don’t think I have anything substantial to add. He’s a good pass rusher, but his presence in the running game is not that good. Actually, he’s more of a liability than an asset when teams run in his direction. I like him fine and am glad to get him back next year, but I certainly don’t think of him as one of the elite DEs in the NFL.

I sure hope not… He got locked up in Texas’ bowl game. Didn’t show me anything worthy of even a top 10 pick let alone a top 5.

I just read anarticle explaining how Ruskell may do something crazy like grab Moreno out of GA. While I would like to see a new RB on the field I don’t think there’s one worthy of a top 10 pick. This begs the trade down theory…

I remember watching Mora get his players fired up on the sidelines when he coached in Atlanta. I remember thinking “ya know, thats really what Seattle needs”. I love Holmgren, but he wasnt a firey guy (in a positive way, that is). I think Mora will change the culture of this team positively, and they’ll be ready and fired up on gameday..something I havent seen since ’05. Great teams overcome obstacles (ie injuries, etc.) because of heart…I really think thats what Mora brings to this team. Instead of playing to not lose, they’ll be playing to win. Go Hawks!!!

vichhawkfan – FYI Kerney doesn’t produce double digit sacks every year. He’s done it four times in a 10 year career. He’s a good player, he’s just not good in run defense.

If you want better DEs – Jared Allen is a lot better than Kerney. It’s not even close; in their pass rush or run defense ability. Justin Tuck, Aaron Kampman, Julius Peppers, and Mario Williams are also examples of guys who are better (Osi, too, when healthy). I’m sure there’s some more, but these are the ones coming into my mind.

The way Mora sounds he still believes in Santa Claus. After all he still has the same lame ass players. Does anyone besides Mora still think Hasselbeck can be any better with the overrated underachievers he will still have to work with? The Seahawks will be just as bad as this year next year. Oh and if they are better next year it will be by only a game or two. If these lame ass players couldn’t play any better with a good coach in Holmgren what makes anyone think they will play any better with a not so good coach like Mora?

BobbyK – Jared’s totals this year in Minny are identical to Kerney’s 07 season with us. Kerney had a few more tackle’s, an INT, and no DUI’s . Kerney healthy is a quality DE who does play the run well. You have your opinion, several of them.

Orakpo was a beast in the bowl game. He tallied one sack and a few tackles. More importantly he was double teamed almost every play, it wasn’t a coincidence Roy Miller had the game of his life. Everyone was focused on blocking Orakpo. He lined up at both DE and RE keeping Ohio’s offense confused.

Kerney basically was our pass rush (apart from some pressure we were able to generate through blitzes in the last quarter or so of the year) this year. It was a very noticeable loss when he went down.

Given two serious injuries in the past three years, and his age, I definitely think the clock is ticking on him though.

This may seem contradictory w/my feelings that Matt still has several years left, but I’m basing it on what I see around the league: Warner, Favre, Kerry Collins, Jeff Garcia lots of QBs playing at a high level well into their mid-30’s (Peyton Manning is only a yr younger). Can’t think of too many DE’s in that same category.

Now that Mays is out, I’m on the Orakpo bandwagon. I too thought that he was a monster against the Buckeyes. Kerney was great and may have something left in the tank, but the remaining guys weren’t enough.

We’re gonna run the ball and control the clock next year (I can only hope we’re good at both). Mora’s mindset is Defense first. I’m sure our #4 will be the same. If we end up with Crabtree, I won’t complain. I just don’t want an offensive lineman. I think we have plenty.

Dukeshire – you mentioned Hobbs and the cover 2. That’s an interesting thought that Eric to possibly ask Mora about. What does Mora think of Hobbs and does he view him as a potential starter? Or at least given a chance to earn the job over someone like Jennings who isn’t the ideal cover 2 CB. I also hope they do what you say about Wilson — use him to his strengths and have him cover the slot.

BobbyK, what better offensive line? Walter is coming off microfracture surgery, Locklear was on IR, Willis and Womack are free agents. Sims, Spencer and Wrotto suck and Wahle is just average. We have a chance to draft a very good left tackle in either Oher or Monroe, and Ruskell is on record saying he doesn’t like taking offensive linemen that high. I don’t see the line getting very much better unless we spend rounds 2, 3, and 4 on it and/or sign Jordan Gross. Also, if Hill is bad in coverage, better hope we don’t draft Curry because he is bad in coverage too. Dude cannot play weak side linebacker, especially in the cover 2.

I have to say I’m not sold on a 34 year old QB with a bad back. If his back isn’t responding to treatment by the end of April, I won’t be surprised to see Stafford be our pick, if he’s there. Moreno I could actually live with as long as Julius Jones is shown the door in 2010.

MIKE DeBORD (no ‘a’) was assistant offensive line coach in 2008.

I’m ecstactic that Joe Barry is not going to be here, and that Zerick Rollins is retained as he should be! It’s the only thing to be happy about with this half-assed staff. But what was all that jazz on this blog and other places about that loser being hired here??

Orakpo disappeared in the bowl game. He’s not a TOP 10 pick, he’ll probably go in the top 10 but shouldn’t. 4? What an unwarranted reach that would be.

Watching that weasel Ruskell on the FSN re-broadcast, this idiot couldn’t even get the year we went to the Super Bowl right, he said 2004. Have I mentioned how much I hate that guy?

nighthawk – I’m with you and have been with you about our offensive line needing to get better, mainly our interior OL. I think you and I both want Oher at #4 (I don’t want Monroe though). I don’t think it’s good enough right now, even with all the injured guys returning. By Sims returning, we are actually getting worse.

I hate losing Holmgren, but I’m so happy having Mora replace him. I agree with OCHawkFan about Mora getting his guys up. I’m excited for what lies ahead, which I haven’t felt since oh….right before the Buffalo game

As long as his back will let him, Hasselbeck still can get us to the top. He’s the best we’ve had and his numbers would be outta sight if his receivers hadn’t led the league in drops over the last 3-5 years. Doesn’t hurt to have Seneca in the wings, just in case.

Okay, so I’m an optimistic glass is half full of Seahawk Blue Kool-aid kinda fan, but I’m sold on us being better next year, and by more than a game or two. New ideas, new coaches, no “passes” for a player ‘cuz of what they did a year or three ago. I say Solari will have a solid if not great line, and that the offense overall will be tougher, more physical. I also think that the D will be better with Mora, period. It’s fun to speculate on FA’s and the draft, but give me 45 solid guys on the same page come kickoff, playing with all they’ve got anytime, over a team with a few “big name” talents that are supposed to carry the day. The OL in the Patriots game is a perfect example. Anyways, that’s my opinion for now

Sound like typical NYJ fans in here. I mean Matt Hasselback most of people dont want him as starter. Who else you got? A mike vick wannabe in SW.. Sorry but if it came down to wallace or Hasselback than I am leaning toward Hasselback. Get it through your head Senneca Wallace will not even be a starter on any other NFL team period.

One of the most interesting bits to me was the comment about being able to run even if they stack the box. Well if you could do that, no one, and I mean no one could beat you. Isn’t that the dream of every coach? That being said, I really, really like his enthusiasm and positive attitude – I guess it’s better than the alternative attitude. Looking forward to seeing how this all works out!!

I’m not concerned about the JAX WR coach coming in. Why? Because something tells me that he wasn’t telling Reggie Williams to celebrate 4 yard completions and he wasn’t telling Matt Jones to snort cocaine. Those two are phsically talented but mentally challenged. You’ve also got to admit that Jones has improved, so has Reggie. That guy won’t know what to do with all the midgets we have running routes out here. Isn’t the average JAX WR pretty big?

also, in regards to Freedom_X comments about Crabtree. Help me know how he is a drug user? I missed that link and conversation. I’d love to know why you think this about him.

There are many varieties of drug users in pro sports:
A) Koren Robinson. We don’t want another Koren. sorry.
B) Matt Jones. We don’t want one of these, either.
C) Warren Sapp. Hall of Fame.
D) Ricky Williams. Probably not good use of a #4 pick.

3 of the 4, not worth taking very high in the draft. However, libel is a serious crime. Do not call someone a drug user unless you can back it up.

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